Jokinen is 33 and although his numbers last year were the best they've been in a while, he can't be relied upon to continue to contribute at that level at his advanced age.

Hudler, on the other hand, is just entering his prime. As a member of the vaunted Red Wings offense, he was one piece of a large and productive puzzle.

Last season, his 23 even-strength goals were the second most of any player in the NHL, behind only Steven Stamkos. With more action expected on the power play, he could easily find himself over the 30-goal plateau in Calgary.

Moreover, Hudler has playoff experience with Detroit that includes a Stanley Cup win in 2008. If the Flames hope to turn the corner as a team and find their way back into the playoff hunt, they'll need players with Hudler's experience and energy to lead the way.

With the addition of scoring defenseman Dennis Wideman earlier in the week, it's beginning to look like Flames GM Jay Feaster is prepared to make the moves required to start putting pucks in the net and bigger numbers in the win column.

That's nothing but good news for Flames fans, who are tired of watching their team bow out early year after year.